Module 4 - Guide to Suitability - NDIS · 4.1.1.1 Workers Compensation ... Module 4: Guide to Suitability [this module] ... management is the financial management of the plan supports

ndis.gov.au 1 July 2016 | Provider Toolkit Module 4

Provider Toolkit Module 4: Guide to Suitability 1 July 2016

ndis.gov.au 1 July 2016 | Provider Toolkit Module 4 2

Contents Executive Summary .................................................................................................................. 5

4.1. Specialist Disability Registration Groups ........................................................................ 6

4.2. Professional Registration Groups ................................................................................. 11

4.3. Other Registration Groups ........................................................................................... 14

4.4. Home and vehicle modification Registration Groups .................................................... 15

4.5. Assistive technology and equipment Registration Groups ............................................ 16

4.6. Professional Qualifications for NDIS Providers ............................................................. 18

4.7. State and Territory Requirements for Specialist Disability Providers ............................ 21

4.7.1 Requirements for new specialist disability providers in South Australia ................. 21

4.7.2 Requirements for new and existing specialist disability providers in Queensland .. 23

4.7.2.1 Criminal history screening .............................................................................. 23

4.7.2.2 Complaints management ............................................................................... 23

4.7.2.3 Restrictive practices ....................................................................................... 24

4.7.2.4 Monitoring and compliance ............................................................................ 24

4.7.2.5 Quality assurance .......................................................................................... 24

4.7.2.6 Registration Process ...................................................................................... 25

4.7.2.7 Provider Registration Process for Queensland ............................................... 26

4.7.2.8 Mapping of Queensland Specialist Disability Services and Queensland Community Care services to NDIS registration groups .................................................... 27

4.7.3 Requirements for new and existing specialist disability providers in Tasmania ...... 30

4.7.3.1 Requirements for new specialist disability providers in Tasmania .................. 30

4.7.3.2 Requirements for existing DHHS funded disability providers in Tasmania ...... 31

4.7.4 Requirements for specialist disability providers in Victoria .................................... 34

4.7.4.1 Registration Process – New Specialist Disability Providers ............................ 34

4.7.4.2 Registration Process – Existing Department of Health and Human Services providers ...................................................................................................................... 35

4.7.4.3 Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................................... 35

4.7.4.4 Which registration groups require registration with the Department of Health and Human Services? ..................................................................................................... 37

4.7.5 Requirements for new specialist disability providers in ACT .................................. 38

4.7.6 Requirements for new specialist disability providers in New South Wales ............. 40

4.7.6.1 Registering to provide NDIS Services in NSW ............................................... 40

4.7.6.2 Registration of existing NSW funded service providers .................................. 40


4.7.6.3 Expanding range of service provision ............................................................. 40

4.7.6.4 Registration of new providers ......................................................................... 41

4.7.6.5 What are comparable standards? .................................................................. 41

4.7.6.6 Performance .................................................................................................. 42

4.7.6.7 Governance ................................................................................................... 43

4.7.6.8 School Education ........................................................................................... 43

4.7.6.10 Probity in Employment ................................................................................... 44

4.7.6.11 Disability Reportable Incidents Scheme ......................................................... 44

4.7.6.12 Death ............................................................................................................. 45

4.7.6.13 Work Health and Safety ................................................................................. 45

4.1.1.1 Workers Compensation .................................................................................. 46

4.7.6.14 Privacy ........................................................................................................... 48

4.7.6.15 Child Protection.............................................................................................. 49

4.1.1.2 Health ............................................................................................................ 51

4.7.6.16 Mental Health ................................................................................................. 52

4.7.6.17 Accommodation ............................................................................................. 52

4.7.6.18 Fire Safety ..................................................................................................... 52

4.7.6.19 Supporting People ......................................................................................... 53

4.7.6.20 Appendix 2: Disability Supports Part A ........................................................... 56

4.7.6.21 Appendix 2: Disability Supports Part B ........................................................... 60


Toolkit structure This is Module 4 of the Provider Toolkit, The Provider Toolkit also contains Modules 1 – 12.

Provider Toolkit

Module 1: Introduction and overview of the Provider Toolkit

Module 2: Registering as a Provider

Module 3: Terms of Business

Module 4: Guide to Suitability [this module]

Module 5: Service Agreements

Module 6: Service Bookings

Module 7: Payment and Assurance

Module 8: PRODA Step by Step guide

Module 9: myplace Provider Portal Step by Step Guide to logging into myplace for the first time – existing providers

Module 10: myplace Provider Portal Step by Step Guide to Registration for new providers

Module 11: myplace Provider Portal Step by Step Guide (excluding registration)

Module 12: Glossary


Executive Summary The Guide to Suitability is a key document in assisting providers understand what supports they will be providing, and what their obligations are as providers of these NDIS supports.

Different supports have different levels of risk associated with their delivery. To minimise risk, enhance outcomes and maximise the social and economic participation of participants, certain experience, qualifications, processes and expertise are required of the providers registered to provide NDIS supports. As quality and safeguarding of disability supports remains the responsibility of States and Territories in transition, some of these requirements may differ between States/Territories to align with existing systems and requirements.

The NDIS has a catalogue of support items that can be funded through a participants plan. For the purposes of quality and safeguards, these support items have been grouped into ‘Registration Groups’ where the requirements to provide these supports are generally similar. Details on the specific requirements of each of these registration groups can be determined by reading through the initial tables in conjunction with the relevant state/territory requirements section. These Registration Groups are generally informally categorised one of five ways:

1. Specialist Disability Registration Groups 2. Professional Registration Groups 3. Other Registration Groups 4. Home and Vehicle Modification Registration Groups 5. Assistive Technology and Equipment Registration Groups

Details on these categories can be found in the first section of the Guide to Suitability.

The grouping of supports into these Registration Groups also streamlines registration for providers. Instead of registering for individual line items, providers are able to instead just register for the Registration Group/s relevant to their business.

ndis.gov.au Provider Toolkit Module 4 Page 6

4.1. Specialist Disability Registration Groups Providers wishing to register for Specialist Disability Registration Groups must:

• Be registered, approved and compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a specialist disability service, community care or Home and Community Care provider as determined by the jurisdiction in which the provider wants to deliver supports. This includes Quality Assurance / Management systems compliance.

• Submit evidence of this registration, approval and compliance issued by the jurisdiction, or authorised third party provider (as determined by each jurisdiction), for which you have applied to deliver supports. This evidence document must state the services that you are currently providing, or are authorised to provide under the NDIS;

• New providers or providers wishing to expand their services should refer to the State requirements for new providers in this document.

Registration group No Professions Expectations as to Experience

Assist/ access and maintain employment or higher education

Myplace name - Assist Access/Maintain Employ

Workplace assistance enables a participant to successfully obtain and/or retain employment in the open or supported labour market. Includes:

• individual employment support • employment preparation and support in a group • School leaver employment supports • transition through school and to further education

0102 • Teacher • Disability Support

Worker • Other care worker e.g.: - Welfare worker - Mental Health support

Worker - Mental Health Peer

Worker - Developmental

educator - Social Worker

Experience delivering person centred services in the community or in the home and working with people with disability seeking employment, training for employment, or building and delivering sustainable employment opportunities.

Development of daily living and Life Skills [Development-Life Skills]

Development of daily living and life skills focuses on training and development activities undertaken by the participant or their carer to increase their ability to live as autonomously as possible, including supports that will enhance the ability of the participant to travel and use public transport independently.

0117 • Disability Support Worker

• Welfare worker • Mental Health Peer

Worker • Mental Health Support

Worker

Experience in providing training and supports to people with disability.


• Registration group No. • Professions • Expectations as to Experience

Assist personal activities

Assisting with and/or supervising personal tasks of daily life to enable the participant to live as autonomously as possible. These individual supports and can be provided in a range of environments, including but not limited to, the participant’s own home.


• Other care worker e.g.:

- Welfare worker - Mental Health

support Worker - Mental Health Peer

Worker

Experience delivering person centred services in the community or in the home and delivery of supports to assist people with disability with development of their skills and abilities.

High Intensity daily personal activities

Myplace name - Personal Activities High

Assisting with and/or supervising personal tasks of daily life to enable the participant to live as autonomously as possible. These supports are provided by a worker with additional qualifications and experience relevant to the participants’ complex needs. These individual supports and can be provided in a range of environments, including but not limited to, the participant’s own home.

0104 • Disability Support

Worker • Other care worker

e.g.: - Welfare worker - Mental Health

support Worker • Mental Health Peer

Worker

Experience delivering person centred services in the community or in the home and delivery of supports to assist people with disability with development of their skills and abilities. Experience and where relevant credentialing in e.g. behaviour support, suctioning etc.

Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement

Myplace name – Daily Tasks/Shared Living

This registration group incorporates assistance with and/or supervising tasks of daily life in a shared living environment, which is either temporary or ongoing, with a focus on developing the skills of each individual to live as autonomously as possible. This registration group includes short-term accommodation and assistance (e.g. respite care)

0115 • Disability Support

Worker • Other care worker



Worker

Experience delivering person centred services in the community or in the home and delivery of supports to assist people with disability with development of their skills and abilities.

Participation in community, social and civic activities

Myplace name – Participate Community


• Welfare Worker

Experience delivering person centred services in the community or in the home and in the delivery of supports


• Registration group No. • Professions • Expectations as to Experience

Assisting participants to participate actively in community, social and civic activities; includes supporting participants during these activities, and developing participants’ ability to partake in these activities.

to assist people with disability with development of their skills and abilities.

• Registration group No • Professions • Expectations as to Experience

Group and centre based activities

Myplace name – Group/Centre Activities

Assisting participants to participate in group based community, social and recreational activities.


• Social Worker • Other care worker



Worker

Experience delivering person centred services in the community or in the home and in the delivery of supports to assist people with disability with development of their skills and abilities.

Specialist Disability Accommodation

Further information is being finalised.

0131

Plan Management

Plan management focuses on strengthening the participant’s ability to undertake tasks associated with the management of their supports. Plan management is the financial management of the plan supports including making payments to providers, expense claims processing, developing monthly statements for participants and claiming for payment from NDIA.

Financial Intermediary funding applies to registered plan management providers who deliver plan management supports.

A financial intermediary will typically possess good knowledge of providers and supports, developed through interaction with and processing payments to providers over time. As part of their plan management role, a financial


• Accountant/Bookkeeper

Experience in financial management of funding and working with people with disability.

Note that some providers may be exempt from “specialist disability service” requirements. For further information, please refer to the section in this document for the state or territory in which you intend to provide supports.



intermediary should support participants and strengthen their capacity to find and implement alternative support options if the participant asks for assistance.


Assist-Life Stage, Transition

This registration group includes short and long-term supports that focus on strengthening the participant’s ability to coordinate their supports, and to assist them to live at home and participate in their community. Includes:

• support connection

• coordination of supports

• assistance with accommodation and tenancy obligations

• Life transition planning including mentoring, peer support and individual skill development

• assistance with decision making, daily planning, budgeting


• Other care worker e.g.: - Welfare worker - Mental Health

support Worker - Mental Health

Peer Worker - Community

mental Health Practitioner

Experience delivering person centred services in the community or in their home. For peer support – lived experience of disability or psychosocial disability and relevant experiences and skills or training to perform this activity

IF Diploma in Disability Services studies, at least two years of experience

IF Cert III in Disability Services, substantial years of relevant experience and specialist skills sufficient to perform these activities

IF community mental health practitioner, bachelor’s degree or greater in a mental health relevant behavioural or social science discipline (including but not limited to social work, psychology, occupational therapy etc.)

IF Mental Health Support Worker, Certificate IV or diploma in a mental health relevant area of study

IF mental health peer worker, the lived experience of recovery from psychosocial disability, or of caring for someone with a


• Registration group No • Professions • Expectations as to Experience psychosocial disability, combined with relevant qualifications and/or training (such as Intentional Peer Support, Cert IV in Mental Health Peer Work)

Specialised Supported Employment

Assistance in specialised supported employment/ADE


• Welfare Worker • Teacher

Commonwealth quality and safeguarding arrangements apply, including certification against the National Standards for Disability Services (NSDS) via the Human Services Scheme (part 3 (DEES).


4.2. Professional Registration Groups These registration groups require specific professional qualifications and experience as a prerequisite to provide these supports under the NDIS. Professionals who wish to provide specialist disability supports must also comply with quality and safeguards requirements of the relevant state/territories.

Additional requirements apply for some services in some jurisdictions. Please also see the information in this document for the state or territory in which you intend to provide supports.


Specialised Positive Behaviour support

Myplace name – Behaviour Support

Specialised Positive Behaviour support registration group includes support items provided by Allied Health professional s with specialist skills in positive behaviour support including assessment the development of a plan developed that aims to limit the likelihood of behaviours of concern developing and /or increasing.

0110 • Occupational Therapist • Psychologist • Social Worker • Developmental

educator • Other health

professional

Experience (minimum 2 years) working with people with disability who have challenging behaviours. AND Experience in professional / clinician supervision and development.

Community nursing care

This is the provision of specialist care for participants who have high care needs. This involves support from a person with a high level of training to respond to the participant’s complex needs.

0114 • Registered Nurse Experience in professional / clinician supervision and development.



Early childhood supports

Provision of a mix of therapies, and a key worker for the family.

0118

• Occupational Therapist • Psychologist • Physiotherapist • Social Worker • Speech Pathologist • Teacher • Developmental

Educator • Audiologist • Music Therapist • Counsellor • Art Therapist • Orthoptist • Podiatrist

Ongoing professional development AND Experience in early childhood interventions with children with disability AND Experience in providing service within a trans disciplinary framework.

Specialised support co-ordination Myplace name – Support Coordination

The provision of Support Coordination within a specialist framework necessitated by specific high level risks in the participant’s situation. Support is time limited and focuses on addressing barriers and reducing complexity in the support environment, while assisting the participant to connect with supports and build capacity and resilience. It may also involve development of an intervention plan which will be put in place by disability support workers.

0132 • Psychologist • Occupational Therapist • Social Worker • Other health

professional

Supports are delivered by Allied health professionals with extensive experience in support coordination for people with complex needs

Custom Prosthetics Customised prosthetics requiring specialist skills.

0135 • Occupational Therapist • Pedorthotist • Podiatrist • Orthostist/Prosthetist • Physiotherapist

Experience relevant to the specific customised technology you wish to provide or assess. Further information under development.



Therapeutic supports

Therapeutic supports are provided to assist the participant to apply their functional skills to improve participation and independence in daily, practical activities in areas such as Language and communication, Personal care, Mobility and movement, Interpersonal interactions and Community living.

0128 • Art Therapist • Counsellor • Music Therapist • Occupational Therapist • Orthoptist • Podiatrist • Psychologist • Physiotherapist • Social Worker • Speech and Language

Pathologist • Developmental

Educator • Dietician • Rehabilitation

Counsellor

Experience in professional / clinician supervision and development.

Exercise physiology & personal training

Myplace name – Ex Phys Pers Training

Physical wellbeing activities promote and encourage physical well-being, including exercise and healthy diets.

0126 • Exercise Physiologist • Personal Trainer

Experience working with people with disability relevant to this support.

Interpret/Translate

Interpreting and translation focuses on assistance to the participant to enable independent communication in essential personal, social or community activities where translation is not available from a mainstream service.

0121 • Interpreter/Translator NAATI accreditation level 2 or 3 and experience working with people with disability.

Specialised Hearing Services

Specialised hearing services for children and adults with complex needs. In kind services provided through the office of Hearing Services only- not available for general registration.

0119 • Audiologist



Hearing Services

Hearing services. In kind services provided through the office of Hearing Services only- not available for general registration.

0134 • Audiologist • Audiometrist

4.3. Other Registration Groups These registration groups do not have comprehensive requirements for providers wishing to register. These Registration Groups include ‘low-risk’ supports that do not require evidence of qualification or expertise for registration.


Accommodation/Tenancy assistance

Myplace name – Accommodation/Tenancy

Includes transition supports only

0101

Assist-Travel/Transport

Rental of adapted vehicle

0108 Taxi/Bus driver Other

Household tasks

Household tasks enable the participant to maintain their home environment. This may involve undertaking essential household tasks that the participant is not able to undertake.

0120 Cleaner Gardener Other

Experience related the services you intend to provide (meal preparation and delivery, house maintenance, yard maintenance, cleaning and linen).

Assistance Animals

Further information is being finalised.

0130

Specialised Driver Training 0129

Driving Instructor Licenced driving instructor with experience in providing training and supports to people with disability.


Registration group No Professions Expectations as to Experience Specialised driver training includes training in driving, using adapted equipment or vehicle modification.

Innovative Community Participation

Further information is being finalized.

0116

4.4. Home and vehicle modification Registration Groups Providers of these Registration Groups must provide evidence of current accreditation or licensing by the relevant State or territory Authority to undertake building, engineering or mechanical work. It is important that providers of these supports are appropriately licensed and accredited to modify participant’s homes and equipment, to ensure NDIA participants are receiving value for money and quality services. The expertise required to provide these supports is different to the expertise required to provide supports within specialist disability registration groups.

Registration group Professions Expectations as to Experience

Home Modification This registration group incorporates design and subsequent changes to the participant’s home. Home modification design and construction includes installation of equipment or changes to building structures, fixture or fittings to enable participants to live as independently as possible or to live safely at home.

0111 • Architect • Builder • Building Inspector / Works

Assessor • Building Surveyor • Building Work Supervisor • Building Work Project

Manager • Carpenter / Joiner • Electrician • Plumber / Gas Fitter /

Drainer • Tiler • Occupational Therapist

Experience and understanding of concepts and limitations of AS 1428 and other disability access standards and their application in accordance with a person’s needs and specifications of plans.

Vehicle modifications

0109 • Mechanic • Engineer

Experience modifying vehicles to comply with Australian Design Rules, Australian Standards and State


Registration group Professions Expectations as to Experience Vehicle modifications include the installation of, or changes to, equipment in a vehicle to enable a participant to travel safely as a passenger or to drive.

Engineering Certification and registration requirements.

4.5. Assistive technology and equipment Registration Groups Registration Groups relating to equipment and assistive technology often require diverse expertise to meet the needs of participants.


Assistive Equip-Recreation

This includes aids and equipment used in competitive and non-competitive sports and other recreational pursuits.

0112 Experience working with people with disability in providing assistive equipment for recreation

Assistive Prod-Household Task

Aids and equipment to enable participants to undertake cooking, cleaning, washing, home maintenance and other tasks.

0123 Experience working with people with disability in providing assistive products for household tasks

Assist Prod-Pers Care/Safety

Aids and equipment for personal care or safety including beds and pressure mattresses, toilet and bathroom equipment, specialised clothing and continence needs.

0103 Experience working with people with disability in providing assistive products for personal care and safety

Comms & Info Equipment

This comprises of aids and equipment to assist participants with alternate communication or to access written or spoken communication via electronic or other means.

Some communication equipment can only be prescribed by health professionals (Speech pathology, Audiology, Occupational Therapy).

0124 Experience working with people with disability in providing communication and information equipment



Hearing Equipment

Wearable hearing aids, cochlear implants etc can only be provided by approved hearing health professionals

0122 Experience working with people with disability in providing assistive products for hearing

Personal mobility equipment

This includes equipment to assist participants to move around their home or the community, such as equipment for walking, wheelchairs and transfer aids.

0105 Experience working with people with disability in providing personal mobility equipment

Vision Equipment

Products for navigation, orientation, braille, guide dogs, magnifiers and note taking equipment.

0113 Experience working with people with disability in providing assistive products for vision


4.6. Professional Qualifications for NDIS Providers As outlined above, the NDIA expects certain expertise and qualifications from the providers supporting NDIS participants. The table below outlines what constitutes recognition as a professional by the NDIS.

Profession name Professional qualifications or membership

Art Therapist Registration with the Australia New Zealand Arts Therapy Association (ANZATA)

Audiologist Full membership with Audiology Australia or ACAud

Dietitian Accredited Practicing Dietician with the Dietitians Association of Australia

Developmental Educator Full member of Developmental Educators Australia Inc

Exercise Physiologist Accredited exercise physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia

Interpreter/Translator Accreditation (level 2 or above) with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd

Music Therapist Active “Registered Music Therapist” with the Australian Music Therapy Association

Registered Nurse Registration with AHPRA

Occupational Therapist Registration with AHPRA

Orthoptist Registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board

Orthotics Membership with the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association

Pedorthist Registration with the Australian Register of Pedorthists

Physiotherapist Registration with AHPRA

Podiatrist Registration with AHPRA

Prosthetics Membership with the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association



Psychologist registration with AHPRA

Social Worker Membership with Australian Association of Social Workers

Speech Pathologist Practising membership with Speech Pathology Australia

Rehabilitation Counsellor Membership with the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors Inc or equivalent

Welfare Worker Membership with the Australian Community Workers Association or equivalent

Audiometrist Membership with the Hearing Aid Audiometrist Society of Australia or equivalent

Counsellor Membership with the Australian Counselling Association or equivalent

Disability Support Worker Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma in Disability or other relevant Qualification

Integration Aid Certificate III or IV in Education Support

Personal Trainer Personal training qualification, Certificate III, IV or Diploma in Fitness or equivalent

Accountant/Bookkeeper membership with ATMA, AAT, CBK, ACCA, ABAL, CPA, ICB, IPA or CAANZ or equivalent

Architect Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports

Builder Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports

Build Inspector/Works Assessor Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports

Building Surveyor Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports

Building Work Supervisor Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports

Building Work Project Manager Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports

Carpenter/Joiner Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports



Electrician Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports

Plumber/Gas Fitter/Drainer Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports

Rehabilitation Engineer Membership with Engineers Australia

Tiler Registration with the state or territory board/authority in which you wish to provide supports

Teacher Registration with the teacher regulatory authority in the state in which you wish to provide supports


4.7. State and Territory Requirements for Specialist Disability Providers

Each state and territory has slightly different requirements of disability service providers operating in their jurisdiction. In addition to the expected professional requirements and expertise outlined above, providers must satisfy and comply with jurisdictional requirements relevant to the state/territory/ies in which they are providing service.

Please see below a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction breakdown of requirements.

Note: the outline below lists only those requirements specific to disability services providers. It does not contain other legislation including but not limited to commercial, health and safety, corporate, tax, or other legislation and requirements that may be applicable to each jurisdiction.

4.7.1 Requirements for new specialist disability providers in South Australia

Note: These requirements are relevant for trial not transition. The requirements for transition are being finalised with the State.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has worked with the South Australian Government to implement arrangements to ensure that South Australia’s existing statutory and administrative quality assurance and safeguards for children are in place for new and existing providers for the trial of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The arrangements for new providers in South Australia are detailed below.

In preparing to register with NDIA providers are advised to review the Provider registration: Guide to Suitability. If the support category requires:

• registered, approved or compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a specialist disability service, community care or Home and Community Care provider with Australian, state or territory government in the state or territory in which supports will be provided; and

• quality assurance / management system in compliance with relevant Australian, state or territory government requirements for specialist disability, community care or Home and Community Care providers in the state or territory in which supports will be provided.

These Providers will need to apply to the South Australian government to meet the requirements for the Disability Service Provider Panel (DSPP) within the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion.

Service providers are able to apply on an ongoing basis; however, membership of the Disability Service Provider Panel will not guarantee funding from either the Department

http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Community+support/Disability/Disability+-+service+providers/Disability+-+providing+services+in+South+Australia

http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Community+support/Disability/Disability+-+service+providers/Disability+-+providing+services+in+South+Australia


of Communities and Social Inclusion or NDIA. Following approval for membership on the South Australian Disability Service Provider Panel providers can submit their NDIS registration application. This will be an abridged registration based on the provider already meeting the requirements for South Australian Disability Service Provider Panel.

All new service providers, including sole practitioners, staff, agents, volunteers, contractors and subcontractors, will be required to undergo a criminal screening assessment through the South Australian Department of Communities and Social Inclusion and be cleared to work with children and vulnerable adults. These requirements apply to the engagement or appointment of new staff, volunteers, agents, contractors and subcontractors.

Providers registered with the NDIA who are also registered with the South Australian Disability Service Provider Panel are required to demonstrate how they monitor compliance with the National Standards for Disability Services and have in place a formal quality improvement system such as the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) or equivalent which involves an independent external review every three years.

Consistent with existing quality frameworks in South Australia, providers delivering supports through NDIA will be encouraged to employ workers who have attained a Cert III in Disability Services as a minimal qualification.


4.7.2 Requirements for new and existing specialist disability providers in Queensland


Providers seeking to register with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to deliver specialist disability services in Queensland are advised to review the below requirements.

Until the national NDIS quality and safeguards framework is in place, or 30 June 2019, whichever is sooner, Queensland’s quality and safeguard framework will apply to NDIA providers delivering specialist disability services.

Providers registering with the NDIA to deliver specialist disability services in Queensland must meet the requirements of the NDIA provider registration process and:

• adhere to the safeguards as set out in the Disability Services Act 2006 (DSA) and other Queensland state government legislation;

• submit with their NDIA registration, evidence of compliance with the Queensland Human Services Quality Framework; and

• have, maintain, implement and act in accordance with policies consistent with the Queensland state government Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Policy.

For details of specialist disability service types, refer to the ‘Mapping of Queensland Specialist Disability Services and Queensland Community Care services to NDIS registration groups’ on page 39.

4.7.2.1 Criminal history screening

Providers of specialist disability services must comply with the requirements regarding criminal history screening as outlined in the DSA 2006.

These requirements apply to the engagement or appointment of new and existing sole practitioners, employees, board members, executive officers, students, volunteers, contractors and subcontractors engaged by the specialist disability services provider.

Screening applicants will meet this requirement at their own expense.

For more information: https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/disability/key-projects/criminal-history-screening

4.7.2.2 Complaints management

Providers of specialist disability services are to have clear and accessible complaints handling and dispute resolution processes which are in accordance with the

https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/D/DisabServA06.pdf

https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/funding-and-grants/human-services-quality-framework

https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/resources/disability/support-services/providers/preventing-responding-abuse/abuse-neglect-exploitation-policy.pdf

https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/disability/key-projects/criminal-history-screening

https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/disability/key-projects/criminal-history-screening


Australian/New Zealand Standard Guidelines for Complaint Management in Organizations (AS/NZS 10002:2014).

Providers must advise participants that if they are not satisfied with the outcome of their complaint lodged with their provider, the participant can lodge a complaint with the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (DCCSDS) Central Complaints Unit.

For more information: https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/about-us/compliments-and-complaints-feedback

4.7.2.3 Restrictive practices

Providers of specialist disability services are to comply with the DSA 2006 requirements for the use of restrictive practices.

Queensland’s restrictive practices framework only applies to adults with disability who:

• have an intellectual or cognitive disability; • requires restrictive practices as part of a positive behaviour support plan; and • have impaired capacity to consent to the use of restrictive practices.

This group can include adults with an acquired brain injury.

The framework aims to reduce or eliminate the need for use of restrictive practices by ensuring practices are used in a way that: has regard for the human rights of those adults; is the least restrictive way of ensuring the safety of the adult or others; maximises the opportunity for positive outcomes and; complies with the positive behaviour support plan for the adult.

For more information: https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/disability/key-projects/positive-behaviour-support

4.7.2.4 Monitoring and compliance

Authorised officers from DCCSDS will investigate any alleged breaches of the DSA 2006 by registered providers of specialist disability services operating in Queensland.

The powers of authorised officers include, where appropriate, the use of search warrants and coercive powers to undertake investigations to determine whether a contravention of the legislation has occurred and the appropriate action, if any, is required.

4.7.2.5 Quality assurance

Registered providers of specialist disability services operating in Queensland must comply with Queensland’s Human Services Quality Framework published on DCCSDS’s website at:



Compliance requirements vary depending on the service being provided.

Providers will need to demonstrate and maintain compliance with the Human Services Quality Framework at their own expense.

4.7.2.6 Registration Process

To register as a provider, follow the steps outlined at: http://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/registering-provider

The supporting evidence required for Specialist Disability Registration groups is as follows:

Provider Type Registering to deliver Evidence to be submitted to NDIA

Existing providers with a Service Agreement with DCCSDS to provide specialist disability services

A “like” service to the one they are currently contracted to provide

HSQF certification

A service that is different to the one they are currently contracted to provide

HSQF certification and a Statement of Commitment

Any other providers (for example, Community Care providers, mental health providers and new specialist disability service providers without a Service Agreement with DCCSDS)

A specialist disability service registration group

Confirmation of meeting HSQF requirements

*A Statement of Commitment will include an assurance by an organisation to include any new specialist disability services in the scope of the next scheduled audit.




4.7.2.7 Provider Registration Process for Queensland

Note: Certain aspects of this process are now out of date due to transition to myplace. This will be updated in due time.

Complete Provider Registration

Application Form

NDIA informs provider of decision

Access the NDIA Provider Portal

Obtain an AUSKey (if provider does not

already hold one)

Add and submit evidence of relevant

Professions

Add Specialist Disability Support

Clusters

New Providers

NDIA approve and provide

User Access PIN

AND

Opens relevantSupport Clusters

Complete Queensland HSQF requirements

Submit Supporting Evidence:Confirmation of meeting of

HSQF requirements

Existing Providers:Application for ‘like’

service

Existing Providers

Existing Providers:Application for service that is

different to what is currently provided

Submit Supporting Evidence:

HSQF Certification

Submit Supporting Evidence: HSQF Certification

andStatement of Commitment

(to include new services in next scheduled audit)


4.7.2.8 Mapping of Queensland Specialist Disability Services and Queensland Community Care services to NDIS registration groups

Service Type Definition [DS-NMDS descriptors and DCCSDS declaration]

NDIS Registration group

Accommodation support Services that provide accommodation to people with a disability and services that provide support needed to enable a person with a disability to remain in their existing accommodation, or to move to more suitable or appropriate accommodation:

• Large residential/institution (>20 places) – 1.01

• Small residential/institution (7-20 places) – 1.02

• Hostels • Group home (<7places) –

1.04 • Attendant care/personal care

– 1.05 • In-Home accommodation

support – 1.06 • Alternative family placement

– 1.07 • Other accommodation

support – 1.08

• Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement

• Assistance with daily personal activities

• Development of daily living and life skills

• Community care – personal care


Community support Specialist therapeutic services/interventions required to increase functional participation in community:

• Therapy support for individuals – 2.01

• Therapeutic support • Assistive technology

specialist assessment, set up and training

• Early childhood intervention/early intervention– 2.02

• Early intervention supports for early childhood

• Behaviour/specialist intervention – 2.03

• Behaviour Support (allied health professions only)

• Development of daily living and life skills (Disability Worker with specific training)

• Counselling (individual/family/group) – 2.04

• Therapeutic support

• Case management, local coordination and development – 2.06

• Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports

• Management of funding for supports under a participant’s plan




• Community Care – allied health services / allied health care

• Therapeutic support • Physical Wellbeing

• Community Care – counselling

• Therapeutic support

• Community Care – case management


• Community Care – client care coordination


Community access Services designed to provide opportunities for people with a disability to gain and use their abilities to enjoy their full potential for social and community independence:

• Learning and life skills development – 3.01


• Recreation and holiday programs – 3.02

• Participation in community, social and civic activities

• Other community access – 3.03

• Training for independence in travel and transport

• Community Care – social support



Respite services Respite services provide a short-term and time-limited break for families and other voluntary care givers to continue their primary care giving role, and provide a positive experience for the person with disability:

• Own home respite – 4.01 • Centre-based respite/respite

homes – 4.02 • Host family respite/peer

support respite – 4.03 • Flexible respite – 4.04 • Other respite – 4.05


• Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement



• Community Care – centre based day care

• Community Care – respite care






Advocacy information and alternative forms of communication Services that includes alternative formats of communication for people who by reason of their disability are unable to access information provided in the standard format:

• Alternative formats of communication – 6.05

• Interpreting and translation


4.7.3 Requirements for new and existing specialist disability providers in Tasmania


The NDIA has worked with the Tasmanian Government’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to implement arrangements to ensure that the existing Tasmanian quality assurance framework, The Quality and Safety Standards Framework for Tasmania’s DHSS Funded Community Sector Organisations, is applied to new and existing providers for the NDIS trial subject to the transition to a nationally consistent risk based quality assurance approach in the longer term. In addition, Tasmania’s existing statutory safeguards for children and young people will continue to operate throughout the trial period.

The DHHS Quality and Safety Standards Framework requires organisations to have systems and processes in place to manage and respond to complaints and use feedback to contribute towards enhancing service delivery.

All NDIS support providers in Tasmania will comply with state regulations regarding pre-employment screening including National Criminal Checks.

Details of the specific arrangements for new and existing providers in Tasmania are below.

4.7.3.1 Requirements for new specialist disability providers in Tasmania

“New” community sector service providers are those who are:

• not currently funded by DHHS; or • currently funded by DHHS, but who are seeking to deliver substantially different

services from what they were originally contracted to provide (i.e. currently providing Population Health programs and they now wish to provide Disability Services).

In preparing to register with the NDIA new providers are advised to review the NDIA’s Provider Registration: Guide to suitability requirements. Some support categories listed in the guide require providers:

• to be registered, approved or compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a specialist disability service, community care or Home and Community Care provider with the Australian, State or Territory government in the state or territory in which supports will be provided; and

• to have a quality assurance / management system in compliance with the relevant Australian, State or Territory government requirements for specialist


disability, community care or Home and Community Care providers in the state or territory in which supports will be provided.

All new community sector service providers seeking to operate within Tasmania must complete a ‘due diligence assessment’ before they

• are authorised to deliver services funded by the DHHS; and/or • register with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), prior to 2019.

A completed due diligence assessment by DHHS is required before NDIA can register providers for the following registration groups:

• Assistance with daily personal activities; • Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement; • Participation in community, social and civic activities; • Assistance to integrate into school or other educational program; • Assistance to access and maintain employment; • Development of daily living and life skills; • Accommodation/Tenancy assistance; • Development of daily living and life skills; • Training for independence in travel and transport; • Management of funding for supports in a participant's plan*; and • Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports.

*There are exemptions for this registration group for some Commonwealth Funded Service Providers.

New providers requesting registration to provide any ‘disability specific’ registration groups listed above must lodge an Application Form for the Registration of Providers with the NDIA in accordance with the NDIA’s Provider Registration procedures. Upon receipt of the registration form, the NDIA will refer the request to the DHHS for consideration, if appropriate. The DHHS may then contact the provider to complete relevant Quality and Safety and Due Diligence checks. DHHS will subsequently advise the NDIA and the Provider of the outcome of these checks and the NDIA will complete the NDIA’s Provider Registration process accordingly.

Following registration new providers of specialist disability supports in Tasmania will be required to:

• Comply with Commonwealth and Tasmanian legislation particularly relevant to quality assurance, safety standards and restrictive practices; and

• Comply with the Quality and Safety Standards Framework for Tasmania’s DHHS Funded Community Sector.

4.7.3.2 Requirements for existing DHHS funded disability providers in Tasmania


Existing DHHS funded providers who have been approved by DHHS to deliver any of the disability specific registration groups listed above are accepted by the NDIA as compliant with DHHS’s Quality and Safety Standards and Due Diligence requirements and can seek NDIA registration without further referral to the DHHS.

Existing DHHS funded providers seeking to deliver substantially different services from what they were originally contracted by DHHS to provide will be referred to DHHS for approval. DHHS may contact the provider to complete further Quality and Safety and Due Diligence checks at their discretion. NDIA will complete the provider registration process for the additional support on receipt of advice from DHHS.

The following flowchart outlines the current processes that DHHS follow when undertaking their Quality and Safety Standards and Due Diligence checks for new providers and existing providers seeking to register additional supports:


DHHS Provider Registration Flow Chart during the NDIS trial in Tasmania

Existing DHHS funded providers are

accepted as compliant and can register as a NDIS

provider

New providers are required to seek registration from

the NDIA

DHHS funded providers seeking to register additional

supports must obtain approval from the NDIA

NDIA refers request to SIT

SIT refers request to relevant Area

Manager

Area Manager refers to relevant

CPT

CPT contact provider to

complete the QS & DD Checklist

Recommendation made to Director and copy to SIT

SIT receive approval from Director

SIT advises the NDIA

48 H

ours NDIA reviews and

as needed, refers to SIT48

Hou

rsSIT provides advice regarding suitability

based on current service delivery24

Hou

rs

SIT refers to CPT to complete QS & DD

24 H

ours

CPT contacts provider to

complete the QS & DD Checklist3

Wee

ks

Recommendation made to Director and copy to SIT

SIT receive approval from Director

The NDIA inform provider of decision

1 W

eek

72 H

ours

Information received

24 H

ours

48 H

ours

3 W

eeks

1 W

eek

72 H

ours

Information received

OR

3 unsuccessful attempts by CPT to

contact provider (within 2 week period)

Refer to SIT


4.7.4 Requirements for specialist disability providers in Victoria


The NDIA has worked with the Victorian Government to ensure that the existing Victorian quality assurance and safeguard framework will apply to new and existing disability support providers in the NDIS Trial.

4.7.4.1 Registration Process – New Specialist Disability Providers

• A new provider will submit their registration to NDIA and will confirm their acceptance of the NDIA’s Terms of Business.

• NDIA will conduct an initial assessment. • Where an organisation is a disability service provider within the definition of the

Victorian Disability Act 2006 (the Act), the NDIA will ask for evidence of registration with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

• To apply for registration with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, the provider must complete and submit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services registration application and self-assessment report and quality improvement plan based on the gazetted Victorian Department of Health and Human Services Standards (the Human Services Standards). Where appropriate, the Secretary of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services will grant registration in accordance with the Act.

• If granted registration the provider must comply with the Act and conditions of registration including the applicable Department of Health and Human Services (Vic) operational policies.

• To maintain registration under the Act, providers are required, at their own expense, to achieve certification/accreditation to the Human Service Standards with a Victorian Department of Health and Human Services approved independent review body. The first independent review must be completed within 12 months of registration

• Providers must maintain their certification/accreditation with the independent review body by undertaking mid-cycle audits and undertake a full certification/accreditation review once in every three-year period.

• The provider’s details will also be included on the public Register of Disability Service Providers maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services and available from its website.

Registration Process – Existing Specialist Disability Providers

• Existing disability service providers that previously delivered services through a service agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services (formerly Department of Human Services), that will transition to NDIS, will continue to be registered as required and subject to the Act, and Department of Health and

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/documents-and-resources/policies,-guidelines-and-legislation/department-of-human-services-standards


Human Services operational policies. However, as the organisation will no longer hold a service agreement for these activities, the Department of Health and Human Services will impose conditions on the registration (specifically the policies previously imposed through a service agreement).

• All Disability support providers will be expected to comply with Victorian regulations regarding pre-employment screening including National Criminal Records checks, Working with Children Checks and, where residential services are offered, the Disability Worker Exclusion Scheme (refer to the FAQs below).

• The provider’s details will be included on the public Register of Disability Service Providers, to reflect registration for NDIS purposes, maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services and available from its website .

4.7.4.2 Registration Process – Existing Department of Health and Human Services providers

Where an organisation holds a service agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services for activities other than disability services, and applies for NDIA supports, the organisation may be required to undertake an abridged process to register under the Act. For example, a self-assessment may not be required if an independent review has been undertaken of the services funded under the service agreement. The organisation will be required to comply with the Act and conditions of registration.

4.7.4.3 Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more information for Victorian providers wanting to register under the Act for NDIA purposes?

You can find more information about the requirements at: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/documents-and-resources/policies,-guidelines-and-legislation/national-disability-insurance-agency-disability-service-providers

How do I know if I am New or Existing?

New providers do not have a service agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services or do not have any registration under the Victorian Disability Act 2006.

If I am an existing provider, what changes for me?

Your organisation will still be required to comply with the terms of its service agreement for those activities specified. Your organisation will still be required to comply with the policies in the launch services, through the conditions of registration attached to your organisation’s registration under the (Victorian) Disability Act 2006.

What do the conditions of registration cover?


http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/documents-and-resources/policies,-guidelines-and-legislation/national-disability-insurance-agency-disability-service-providers




A complete list of the conditions of registration for is available from the Department of Health and Human Services website. They cover the following:

• Registration policy; • Department of Health and Human Services Standards policy; • Critical incident reporting policy; • Responding to allegations of physical or sexual assault policy; • Fire risk management guidelines; • Emergency preparedness policy; • Systematic improvement policy and procedures (formerly Adverse event

management guidelines); • Safety screening policy; and • Complaints management policy.

Where can I found out information about the (Vic) Disability Worker Exclusion Scheme?

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/plans,-programs-and-projects/projects-and-initiatives/disability-services/disability-worker-exclusion-scheme

If I am registered under the Disability Act for NDIA purposes, is my organisation eligible for a service agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services?

Organisations must contact their local Department of Health and Human Services office to discuss funding. DHSS advertises tender opportunities on the Tenders Victoria website.




https://www.tenders.vic.gov.au/

https://www.tenders.vic.gov.au/


4.7.4.4 Which registration groups require registration with the Department of Health and Human Services?

NDIS Registration group Department of Health and Human Services

Registration Required. Management of funding for supports in participants plan Yes Accommodation/Tenancy assistance Yes Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports Yes Assistance to access and maintain employment Yes Assistance to integrate into school or other educational program Yes Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement Yes Assistance with daily personal activities Yes Assistance with travel/transport arrangements Yes Assistive equipment for general tasks and demands No Assistive equipment for leisure No Assistive equipment for recreation No Assistive products for hearing No Assistive products for household tasks No Assistive products for personal care and safety No Assistive products for vision No Assistive technology specialist assessment, set up and training No Behaviour support Yes Communication and information equipment No Community nursing care for high needs No Development of daily living and life skills Yes Early intervention supports for early childhood No Home modification design and construction No Household tasks Yes*** Interpreting and translation No Other innovative supports No Participation in community, social and civic activities Yes Personal mobility equipment No Physical wellbeing activities No Specialised assessment of skills, abilities and needs No Therapeutic supports Yes Training for independence in travel and transport Yes Vehicle modifications No

***where a provider is considered to be a universal service, and does not meet the definition of a disability service provider as defined by the (Vic) Disability Act 2006, registration under that Act may not be required.


4.7.5 Requirements for new specialist disability providers in ACT


The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has worked with the ACT Government to ensure that the existing quality assurance standards and safeguards in the ACT are available to NDIS participants in the trial.

To ensure that NDIS participants have access to disability support providers who meet the existing ACT quality standards and have access to existing safeguards there are additional requirements for providers who intend to offer disability supports that require the following:

• registered, approved or compliant with the requirements for registration or approval as a specialist disability service, community care or Home and Community Care provider with Australian, State or Territory government in the State or Territory in which supports will be provided; and

• quality assurance / management system in compliance with relevant Australian, State or Territory government requirements for specialist disability, community care or Home and Community Care providers in the State or Territory in which supports will be provided.

Existing safeguards as currently applied through contracts with the ACT Government will continue to operate within the ACT through trial implementation, for all specialist disability service providers through amendment to the Disability Services Act 1991. The ACT government is undertaking legislative amendment to ensure that current quality assurance and safeguarding obligations contained in contracts are able to transition into the NDIS trial environment. The legislative amendment raises obligations for providers into a legal framework as the Government progressively phases out contracts through the transition to the NDIS

Through the trial, new providers will be required to register with the NDIS and:

• Comply with Commonwealth and ACT legislation particularly relevant to quality assurance, safety standards and restrictive practices;

• New service providers must comply with the existing Quality and Safeguards Framework for the ACT. The monitoring of compliance against the Standards Framework for new providers during trial will be the responsibility of the ACT Government;

• Ensure Staff and volunteers have undergone a Working With Vulnerable People Check (WWVPC) and registration in order to be engaged in the role by the end of 2014; and

• Have a written Child Protection policy detailing: o Voluntary and Mandatory reporting requirements; and


o Training available to help staff for the purposes of the Act; and avenues of assistance that staff can access to help them to comply with the Act.


4.7.6 Requirements for new specialist disability providers in New South Wales

Note: These requirements are relevant for trial and transition.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has worked with the New South Wales Government to ensure that the existing quality assurance standards and safeguards in New South Wales are available to NDIS participants in transition

4.7.6.1 Registering to provide NDIS Services in NSW

In order to become a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) during the transition period, a provider must submit an application form to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This application form, along with further information on the registration process, can be found at on the provider registration page http://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/registering-provider

Where you are applying to provide NDIS services in NSW that are classed as ‘specialist disability supports’, you will need to meet the NSW Disability Services Standards http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/quality/standards_in_action

All providers will need to also ensure they read the New South Wales Transitional Quality Assurance and Safeguards Working Arrangements (Transitional Working Arrangements). Compliance with the Transitional Working Arrangements will be a condition of your ongoing registration to provide NDIS services.

4.7.6.2 Registration of existing NSW funded service providers

Providers operating under an existing funding arrangement with the NSW Government - NSW Department of Family and Community Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) will be automatically recognised by the NDIA, providing they have completed the NDIA’s registration process. The registration process includes:

• completing the application form • signing a declaration of suitability • agreeing to the terms of business.

Further information can be found on the [hyperlink: provider registration page].

The NDIA and the NSW Government are working together to ensure that all existing service providers are registered as quickly as possible. Initially, providers will be registered to provide their current services (as specified in the relevant funded service agreements).

4.7.6.3 Expanding range of service provision

Existing ADHC funded service providers who wish to expand the range of services they offer should apply directly to the NDIA for registration of additional registration groups.

http://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/registering-provider

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/quality/standards_in_action


If the additional registration groups are ‘specialist disability supports’ as identified below, providers will be required to provide a statement of commitment, which can be downloaded from the NDIS website.

A statement of commitment is an assurance by an organisation that they will include any new specialist disability supports in time for the next scheduled third party verification audit, if this takes place before 30 June 2018.

Existing ADHC funded services providers seeking to register for ‘assistance with daily living in a shared or group living arrangement’, may need to undertake additional quality and safeguard checks. Additional information will be provided on this in tandem with the release of information relating to registering for supported disability accommodation.

4.7.6.4 Registration of new providers

Providers that are not currently operating under a funded service agreement, but wish to provide specialist disability supports in NSW, will need to provide evidence of third party verification (TPV) against the NSW Disability Services Standards (or comparable standards – see below).

The NSW Government and the NDIA take quality assurance and safeguards very seriously, and regard compliance with the NSW Disability Service Standards as essential to protect and promote the interests of NDIS participants.

The NDIA will not register specialist disability support providers until evidence that TPV has been undertaken is uploaded to the NDIS Provider Portal.

4.7.6.5 What are comparable standards?

Comparable standards include National Standards for Disability Services, Attendant Care Industry Standards, Home Care Standards, Victorian Department of Human Services Standards and the Queensland Human Services Quality Framework.

The ADHC Systems Recognition Tool may assist providers to understand the extent to which their existing accreditations and systems meet the NSW Disability Service Standards http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/quality/adhc_systems_recognition_tool].

Third party verifiers (for new and comparable TPVs) must be accredited either by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) or International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua).

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/quality/adhc_systems_recognition_tool


Appendix 1: Requirements for providers of disability supports

Existing ADHC funded and new providers of specialist disability supports as identified at Appendix 2 Part B must provide services that comply with:

• The Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW) and Disability Inclusion Regulation 2014 (NSW),

• All other relevant laws of NSW and Australia, • Applicable codes of conduct, professional standards or quality assurance

standards, and • NSW Disability Services Standards (NSW DSS) or relevant comparable

standards. Comparable standards include National Standards for Disability Services, Attendant Care Industry Standards, Home Care Standards, Victorian Department of Human Services Standards and Queensland Human Services Quality Framework.

4.7.6.6 Performance

Policy Quality Policy for ADHC funded services Brief description NSW Quality Framework for Disability Services is built on the

National Quality Framework for Disability Services in Australia and based on the NSW DSS, which align with the proposed revised National Standards for Disability Services. All providers must:

• Comply with the ADHC Quality Framework Policy, • Have a quality management system in place, and • Have their compliance with the NSW DSS verified through

an independent third party. Who the policy applies to

Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/256835/Quality_Policy_for_ADHC_funded_services.pdf

Guidelines NSW Disability Services Standards and Standards in Action Manual

Brief description The NSW DSS form the basis of ADHC's quality requirements and have been updated to reflect contemporary practices that place people with disability at the centre of decision making and choice about their supports and services. The NSW DSS have been streamlined and align to the proposed revised National Standards for Disability Services. Where an organisation has attained third party verification against the NSW DSS, they will be deemed to meet the requirements of the proposed revised National Standards for Disability Services.

Who the guidelines apply to


URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/quality/standards_in_action

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-service-providers/disability/service-quality-and-improvement/national-quality-framework-for-disability-services-in-australia

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/256835/Quality_Policy_for_ADHC_funded_services.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/256835/Quality_Policy_for_ADHC_funded_services.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/quality/standards_in_action


4.7.6.7 Governance

4.7.6.8 School Education

Policy Governance policy for FACS funded disability service providers

Brief description Outlines the governance requirements appropriate to the size of an organisation to ensure sustainability, viability, efficiency and productivity

Who the policy applies to


URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0009/256833/Governance-policy-for-FACS-funded-disability-service-providers.pdf

Policy Sub-contracting and brokerage policy for FACS funded disability service providers

Brief description Outlines requirements for commissioning third party providers through sub-contracting and brokerage, including:

• Definitions of ‘brokerage’ and sub-contracting’, • Requirements for commissioning third part providers, and • Mechanisms that funded disability service providers should

use to adequately manage those arrangements in the context of their own obligations.



URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0004/256837/Sub-contracting-and-brokerage-policy-for-FACS-funded-disability-service-providers.pdf

Policy School supports Brief description All NDIA registered providers must comply with any applicable

policy and guideline as advised by the relevant school, including preschool, about the provision of support to a student while at school. NSW Public Schools has developed a framework for principals to guide their interactions with external service providers, including those funded through the NDIS



URL Relevant NSW Public School or preschool principal to advise existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers.

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0009/256833/Governance-policy-for-FACS-funded-disability-service-providers.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0009/256833/Governance-policy-for-FACS-funded-disability-service-providers.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0004/256837/Sub-contracting-and-brokerage-policy-for-FACS-funded-disability-service-providers.pdf




4.7.6.10 Probity in Employment

Policy Probity in Employment Policy for FACS funded disability service providers

Brief description • Designed to promote a strong culture of probity in employment of persons (paid or unpaid) involved in delivering services and supports to people with disability.

• Confirms the major obligations under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014:

o To ensure that appropriate probity checking is carried out on individuals involved in the provision of disability supports and services,

o A prohibition on the employment or engagement of individuals who have been convicted of certain offences,

o A requirement to repeat criminal records checks every four years.

• Provides additional guidance and information on probity checking.



URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0020/241355/Probity-in-Employment-Policy-for-FACS-funded-disability-service-providers.pdf

4.7.6.11 Disability Reportable Incidents Scheme

Guidelines Disability Reportable Incidents Scheme Brief description Service providers of disability supported group accommodation

and centre based respite are required to notify the NSW Ombudsman of ‘reportable incidents’ involving people with disability. Service providers must report the following incidents to the NSW Ombudsman: 1. Employee to client incidents of sexual assault, sexual

misconduct, assault, fraud, ill-treatment or neglect, 2. Client to client incidents of sexual, physical assault (causing

serious injury or involving the use of a weapon), or that forms a pattern of abuse,

3. Contravention of an AVO taken out to protect a person with disability,

4. Unexplained serious injury of a person with disability. Notification forms and fact sheets are available on the NSW Ombudsman website.



URL http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/community-and-disability-services/part-3c-reportable-incidents

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0020/241355/Probity-in-Employment-Policy-for-FACS-funded-disability-service-providers.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0020/241355/Probity-in-Employment-Policy-for-FACS-funded-disability-service-providers.pdf

http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/community-and-disability-services/part-3c-reportable-incidents

http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/community-and-disability-services/part-3c-reportable-incidents


4.7.6.12 Death

Legislation Community Services (Complaints, Reviews and Monitoring) Act 1993 Part 6 - Reviewable Deaths

Brief description Service providers must report information about the deaths of children and adults with disability who, at the time of their death, were living in, or temporarily absent from, residential care provided by a service provider, or an assisted boarding house, to the NSW Ombudsman.

Who the legislation applies to

Existing ADHC funded residential care providers and new disability support residential care providers

URL https://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/community-and-disability-services/reviewable-deaths

Policy Death Procedures Brief description The ADHC Death Procedures embody the principles of legal and

human rights found in the NSW DSS, the commitment to delivery culturally responsive services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under the Aboriginal Policy Statement and the person centred guiding principles of the ADHC Health and Wellbeing Policy. They provide direction to support workers in the event of a person becoming unresponsive, or if an unresponsive or deceased person is found.


These procedures are mandatory for ADHC operated accommodation support services, including centre-based respite services and other support services, unless otherwise stated. Some sections are mandatory for ADHC funded non-government support services and assisted boarding houses.

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0005/373271/Death_Procedures.pdf

4.7.6.13 Work Health and Safety

Legislation Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

Brief description A 'person conducting a business or undertaking' (PCBU) is a legal term under WHS laws for individual. As a PCBU you must meet your obligations, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the health and safety of workers and other people like visitors and volunteers, and businesses or organisations that are conducting business.


Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers. Participants/carers who are considered a PCBU.

URL https://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/law-and-policy/employer-and-business-obligations/definitions-of-pcbus-and-workers

https://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/community-and-disability-services/reviewable-deaths

https://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/community-and-disability-services/reviewable-deaths

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0005/373271/Death_Procedures.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0005/373271/Death_Procedures.pdf

https://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/law-and-policy/employer-and-business-obligations/definitions-of-pcbus-and-workers

https://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/law-and-policy/employer-and-business-obligations/definitions-of-pcbus-and-workers


4.1.1.1 Workers Compensation

Legislation Workers Compensation Act 1987, Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998, Workers Compensation Regulation 2010

Policy Workers compensation insurance policy Brief description All employers in NSW (except exempt employers) are required to

have a workers compensation insurance policy. Exempt employers are employers who pay $7,500 or less in annual wages, who do not employ an apprentice or trainee, or are part of a group for premium purposes.


Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers. Participants/carers who are employers.

URL http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/insurance/workers-compensation-insurance-for-your-business

Policy Notification of workplace incidents and injuries Brief description All employers and workers have specific obligations to report

workplace incidents and injuries. Who the policy applies to


URL http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/workers-compensation-claims/report-an-incident-or-injury/notifying-and-recording-an-incident-or-injury

Policy Injury management programs Brief Description Under section 43(5) of the Workplace Injury Management and

Workers Compensation Act 1998 an employer must comply with obligations imposed by insurer’s injury management program i.e. the insurer’s written strategy for managing workplace injuries This requirement does not apply where the employer is a self-insurer.

Who the Policy Applies To


URL http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/act+86+1998+cd+0+N

Policy Employer’s injury management plan obligations Brief Description Under section 46 of the Workplace Injury Management and

Workers Compensation Act 1998 an employer must participate and cooperate in establishment of an injury management plan, and comply with obligations imposed under that plan. This requirement does not apply where the employer is a self-insurer.



URL http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/act+86+1998+cd+0+N

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/workers-compensation-claims/report-an-incident-or-injury/notifying-and-recording-an-incident-or-injury

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/workers-compensation-claims/report-an-incident-or-injury/notifying-and-recording-an-incident-or-injury

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/act+86+1998+cd+0+N





Policy Suitable employment Brief Description Suitable employment needs to be provided by the employer when

a worker is unable to immediately return to their normal duties after an injury. Under section 49 of the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 employers are required to provide suitable employment (as defined in section 32A of the Workers Compensation Act 1987) and, as far as reasonably practicable, that is the same as or equivalent to the employment the worker was in at the time of the injury. Suitable employment does not have to be provided if: • it is not reasonably practicable to do so • the worker voluntarily left employment either, before or

after, the commencement of the incapacity for work • the employer terminated the workers employment after

the injury, other than for the reason that the worker was not fit for employment as a result of the injury.

Note: It is an offence to dismiss an injured worker because they are not fit for employment as a result of the injury.



URL http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/act+86+1998+cd+0+N http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/act+70+1987+cd+0+N

Policy Return to work programs Brief Description A return to work program consists of the formal policy and

procedures that an employer must have in place to help injured workers with their recovery and return to the workplace. A return to work program must be developed within 12 months of becoming an employer and be done in consultation with the employer’s workers and any industrial union representing those workers. For a category one employer (an employer with a basic tariff premium exceeding $50 000 per annum, or is self-insured, or is insured by a specialised insurer and employs more than 20 workers) a return to work program must be developed in accordance with the guidelines for workplace return to work programs. A category two employer (any employer who is not a category one employer as described above), can use the standard return to work program prepared by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority.



URL http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/18305/guidelines_for_workplace_rtw_programs_2872.pdf





http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/18305/guidelines_for_workplace_rtw_programs_2872.pdf


http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/16656/standard_return_to_work_program_0004.pdf

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/16656/standard_return_to_work_program_0004.pdf




4.7.6.14 Privacy

Legislation Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) Brief description The legislation applies to NSW public sector agencies. However,

ADHC funded providers (by virtue of their funding agreement with ADHC) and new disability service providers (by virtue of these working arrangements) are also required to comply with the 12 Information Protection Principles.



URL http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/papipa1998464 Legislation Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) Brief description • Outlines how health information should be managed.

• Includes 15 Health Privacy Principles that describe what to do when handling personal health information, including collection, storage, use, disclosure, as well as rights to access health information.

• Additional principles relate to identifiers, anonymity, transferrals and linkages.



URL http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/hraipa2002370/ Legislation Privacy Code of Practice (General) 2003 (NSW) Brief description Allows departure from some privacy principles where an individual

lacks capacity Who the legislation applies to


URL http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/pcop2003251/ Legislation Health Records and Information Privacy Code of Practice 2005

(NSW) Brief description Allows sharing of information with other service providers in limited

circumstances Who the legislation applies to

The legislation applies to all health services providers in NSW, which includes providers of disability services or supports. Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers are covered.

URL http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/hraipcop2005458/

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/papipa1998464

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/hraipa2002370/

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/pcop2003251/

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/hraipcop2005458/


4.7.6.15 Child Protection

Legislation Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 Brief description Defines certain classes of people who work with children and their

managers as mandatory reporters, who have a statutory obligation to report children who are at risk of significant harm (ROSH) to Community Services Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child, or children, are at risk of significant harm from abuse or neglect.


Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers who provide services to children and young people.

UURL http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/act/1998/157/whole Policy Child Protection Guidelines Brief description Designed to assist staff to understand their obligations and

responsibilities when they are concerned that children and young people are at risk of, or are being, neglected or abused, including:

• an overview of the main legal compliance issues they need to be familiar with,

• the responsibilities when they suspect neglect or abuse, or risk of neglect or abuse,

• what action to take when the behaviour of families, carers or staff gives rise to concerns,

• links to relevant supporting documents and external resources.


Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers who provide services to children and young people

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0019/232732/ADHC_Child_Protection_Guidelines.pdf

Legislation Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW) Brief description Aims to protect children by:

• Not permitting certain persons to engage in child-related work, • Requiring persons engaged in child-related work to have

working with children check clearances. Who the legislation applies to


URL http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/cpwca2012388/s3.html Policy Working with Children Check Brief description Sole traders and individual employers must verify their Working

With Children Check as part of the NDIA registration process, where they are providing child related supports.


Sole traders and individual employers

URL Employer's Guide

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/%23/view/act/1998/157/whole

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0019/232732/ADHC_Child_Protection_Guidelines.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0019/232732/ADHC_Child_Protection_Guidelines.pdf

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/cpwca2012388/s3.html

http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/183/Information_for_employers_Jan2015.pdf.aspx?Embed=Y


Legislation Ombudsman Act 1974 (NSW) - Part 3A Employment-related child protection

Brief description • Requires the NSW Ombudsman to keep under scrutiny the systems that government and certain non-government agencies in NSW have for preventing reportable conduct and handling reportable allegations and convictions involving their employees.

• ‘Designated agencies’ must notify the NSW Ombudsman of all reportable allegations and convictions that arise inside and outside the employee’s work.

• ‘Other public authorities’ are only required to notify reportable allegations or convictions that arise in the course of the employee’s work.

• ‘Reportable conduct’ includes sexual offences, misconduct, assault, ill-treatment, neglect and behaviour that cause psychological harm to children.


Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers who provide child care centres and substitute residential care to children and young people

URL http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/employment-related-child-protection

Guidelines Child Wellbeing and Child Protection - NSW Interagency Guidelines

Brief description • Provides information and guidance to all agencies involved in the delivery of child wellbeing and child protections services in NSW.

• One of the Keep Them Safe mechanisms that support collaborative practice.

• Outlines legislation governing child protection and child wellbeing services in NSW, roles and responsibilities, guidance to child protection reporting and response, prevention and early intervention strategies, guidance to court processes, case management and information exchange.



URL http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/kts Policy Out of Home Care Brief description Guides the provision of placements for children and young people

with a disability, by: • Defining the types of out-of-home care placements and

supports that are available to children (aged 0-15 years) and young people (aged 16-17 years) with a disability,

• Detailing best practice principles to guide the provision of out-of-home care placements,

• Providing practice guidelines for the establishment and provision of out-of-home care placements.

http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/employment-related-child-protection

http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/employment-related-child-protection

http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/kts



Existing ADHC funded providers and relevant new disability support providers who provide:

• Statutory and supported out-of-home care placements • Long-term voluntary out-of-home care placements • Unplanned, crisis placements

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/254490/OOHC_Policy_-_Internet.pdf

Policy Voluntary Out of Home Care Brief description NDIS registered providers operating in NSW who wish to provide

VOOHC must register their details with the OCG, and complete the VOOHC Registration and Self-Certification Checklist.


Existing ADHC funded providers and relevant new disability support providers who provide voluntary out of home care, including overnight centre-based respite, host family care, residential placements and camps that provide respite or address challenging behaviour

URL VOOHC Registration, Self-Certification and Monitoring Guide VOOHC Statutory Procedures VOOHC Register Manual

4.1.1.2 Health

Policy Health and Wellbeing Brief Description

The Health and Wellbeing Policy embodies the principles of legal and human rights found in the NSW DSS and the commitment to deliver culturally responsive services to Aboriginal people under the Aboriginal Policy Statement. The Policy defines how people with disability and their families exercise their rights and entitlements, under the Standards and Statement, to make informed decisions about health services, including health promotion opportunities, treatments, therapy and rehabilitation.


Existing ADHC operated and funded accommodation support services. ADHC funded non-government accommodation support services may adopt the procedures, or develop their own.

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0004/373441/Health-and-Wellbeing-Policy.pdf

Policy Health Planning Procedures Brief Description

The Health Planning Procedures describe how the person, and support workers, plan, document, implement and review the person’s health and wellbeing needs in consultation with health professionals, and the person responsible or guardian.

Who the Procedures Applies To

The procedures are a requirement for ADHC operated accommodation support services to follow when they are applying the Guiding Principles of the Health and Wellbeing Policy. ADHC funded non-government accommodation support services may adopt the procedures, or develop their own.

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0009/373446/Health-Planning-Procedures.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/254490/OOHC_Policy_-_Internet.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/254490/OOHC_Policy_-_Internet.pdf

http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/480/VOOHCregistrationSelfCertMonitoringGuide.pdf.aspx?Embed=Y

http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/478/2011-06-01VOOHCprocedures2011.pdf.aspx?Embed=Y

http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/477/VOOHCRegisterManualJan2015.pptx.aspx


4.7.6.16 Mental Health

Policy Accommodation Support Policy Brief description All NDIA registered providers of NDIS supports to mental health

consumers must comply with any applicable policy and guideline as advised by the relevant NSW Local Health District Mental Health Service. This includes ensuring that NDIS supports are provided in a way that supports the recovery of mental health consumers. The recovery model assumes that people with complex support mental health conditions have the capacity to improve and obtain a life that is not defined by their illness. NDIA registered providers will work with mental health services, mainstream and specialist services and the local community to ensure that supports are provided in an integrated and coordinated way.


Relevant NSW Local Health District Mental Health Service to advise existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers.

4.7.6.17 Accommodation

Policy Accommodation Support Policy Brief description Sets out service principles for the provision of person-centred

accommodation support to people with disability, based on their disability support needs and preferences



URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0019/228043/ADHC_AccSupp_Policy_WEB.pdf

4.7.6.18 Fire Safety

Policy Fire Safety Brief description Services are responsible for ensuring:

• The environment in which services are provided is safe and hazards are minimised,

• All employees are familiar with all fire emergency equipment and facilities in the workplace and participate in regular fire safety programs,

• Emergency management and evacuation plan and procedures are in place taking into account the support needs of people with disability,

• Engagement occurs with the local community in developing fire safety procedures.



URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0015/251232/Fire_safety_fact_sheet_Dec2013.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0019/228043/ADHC_AccSupp_Policy_WEB.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0019/228043/ADHC_AccSupp_Policy_WEB.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0015/251232/Fire_safety_fact_sheet_Dec2013.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0015/251232/Fire_safety_fact_sheet_Dec2013.pdf


4.7.6.19 Supporting People

Policy Lifestyle Planning Brief Description This policy sets out guiding person centred principles to lifestyle

planning with people who use ADHC operated and funded accommodation support services. These principles demonstrate a commitment to putting people with disability, their families and carers at the centre of decision making about how the specialist disability system supports them.


The policy’s guiding principles are the basic mandatory requirements for ADHC operated and funded accommodation support services when planning with the people they support.

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0005/241088/Lifestyle_Planning_Policy_Aug_2012.pdf

Policy Decision Making and Consent Brief Description Services are required to involve the person in all decisions that

affect the person’s life. No other person can make decisions for a person who is 16 years and older except when the person lacks capacity to make some decisions. Services will support people to make their own decisions and family and others provide informal decision making support where it is needed. A guardian with a specific decision making function is legally appointed to make critical decisions, for example, choosing accommodation.


Existing ADHC funded providers and new disability support providers.

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/data/assets/file/0006/228084/Decision_Making_and_Consent_Policy_and_Procedures_Apr_2012.pdf

Policy Wills and Estates Policy and Procedures Brief description • Supports people with a disability to participate in decisions

about their finances and property and the disbursement of these through a Will.

• A Will should be reviewed every five years or whenever a person’s circumstances change.

• Providers must maintain procedures to develop and review wills and distribute estates.


Existing ADHC funded providers (As guidance only for new disability support providers)

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/228129/Wills_and_Estates_Policy_April_2012.pdf

Policy Abuse and Neglect Brief Description The Abuse and Neglect Policy provides information and guiding

principles to support paid and unpaid workers of ADHC operated and funded non-government disability support services, with the means to prevent, identify and respond to abuse and neglect when it occurs or is suspected. This policy should be read in conjunction with the Abuse and Neglect Procedures and Prevention Guidelines, which have been developed to support a structured, consistent and transparent approach to safeguarding people from abuse and neglect.

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0005/241088/Lifestyle_Planning_Policy_Aug_2012.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0005/241088/Lifestyle_Planning_Policy_Aug_2012.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/data/assets/file/0006/228084/Decisi

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/data/assets/file/0006/228084/Decisi

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/228084/Decision_Making_and_Consent_Policy_and_Procedures_Apr_2012.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/228129/Wills_and_Estates_Policy_April_2012.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/228129/Wills_and_Estates_Policy_April_2012.pdf



The policy, procedures and prevention guidelines provide paid and unpaid workers of ADHC operated and funded non-government disability support services with the means to identify abuse and neglect, and to respond quickly and appropriately to allegations of abuse and neglect.

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/372165/Abuse-and-Neglect-Policy.pdf

Policy Risk and Safety Brief Description The Risk and Safety Policy provides a set of guiding principles for

supporting people to make decisions that involve some risk to them. These principles provide the framework for the identification, assessment and management of risk in a person centred environment. The Policy is supported by the Risk and Safety Procedures, Guidelines, Tools and Templates and Other Resources.


The policy is mandatory in ADHC operated and funded non-government disability support services.

URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/373259/Risk-and-Safety-Policy.pdf

Policy Behaviour Support Policy Brief description Outlines minimum requirements in providing a behaviour support

service to adults, children or young people with an intellectual disability



URL http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0007/228364/Behaviour_Support_Policy_March2012_updated.pdf

Policy Behaviour Support: Policy and Practice Manual 2009 Brief description • Provides guidelines to safeguard the rights of the individual

service user and promotes the use of person-centred positive behaviour support practices.

• Provides a contemporary, practical resource for the development of high quality and consistent support and intervention practices that adhere to relevant departmental policy and procedures and legislative standards.



URL https://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/delivering_disability_services/behaviour_support_services/behaviour_support_policy_and_practice_manual

Guidelines Restricted Practices Authorisation Mechanism Operation Guide

Brief description • Provides guidance on the operational aspects of an effective Restricted Practice Authorisation (RPA) mechanism.

• Promotes consistency in the operation of RPA procedures within ADHC and across the funded sector.



http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/372165/Abuse-and-Neglect-Policy.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/372165/Abuse-and-Neglect-Policy.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/373259/Risk-and-Safety-Policy.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/373259/Risk-and-Safety-Policy.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0007/228364/Behaviour_Support_Policy_March2012_updated.pdf

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0007/228364/Behaviour_Support_Policy_March2012_updated.pdf

https://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/delivering_disability_services/behaviour_support_services/behaviour_support_policy_and_practice_manual

https://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/delivering_disability_services/behaviour_support_services/behaviour_support_policy_and_practice_manual


URL https://ngorpap.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/rpa-mechanism-operational-guide-osp.pdf

Legislation Community Services (Complaints, Reviews and Monitoring) Act 1993 (NSW)

Brief description • NDIS participants can make complaints about service providers to the NSW Ombudsman

• The NSW Ombudsman can monitor and review services provided to NDIS participants

• Official Community Visitors can visit NDIS participants living in an accommodation service if in full-time care of a service provider

• The NSW Ombudsman can review the death of a NDIS participant living in residential care provided by a NDIS service provider



URL http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/csrama1993583/

https://ngorpap.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/rpa-mechanism-operational-guide-osp.pdf

https://ngorpap.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/rpa-mechanism-operational-guide-osp.pdf

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/csrama1993583/

ndis.gov.au Provider Toolkit Module 4

4.7.6.20 Appendix 2: Disability Supports Part A

NDIS REGISTRATION GROUP1 RELATED DISABILITY SUPPORTS FUNDED UNDER THE NSW

DISABILITY INCLUSION ACT 20142

QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Household tasks enable the participant to maintain their home environment e.g. • Delivered meals • House and / or yard

maintenance • House cleaning

In-home accommodation support • Meals • Other food

services • Domestic

assistance • Home

maintenance • Linen service

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business.

Therapeutic supports includes: • Individual and group

multidisciplinary interventions

• Individual therapy (OT, Physio, Psychology, Social Work, Speech and Language pathology) Group therapy(OT, Physio, Psychology, Social Work, Speech and Language pathology)

• Podiatry • Therapeutic program

delivered by Therapy assistant

• Individual/group family focussed information and training

• Counselling for an individual or as part of a group

Therapy support for individuals: Allied health care, including Counselling. Counselling provides clients and carers with assistance to understand and manage situations, behaviours and relationships associated with their need for care.

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business. • Meet the relevant

professional requirements under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (National Scheme) for registered health practitioners.

• Meet the eligibility requirements for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

ndis.gov.au Provider Toolkit Module 4 57




Home modifications Home modifications Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business. • Meet relevant industry

requirements where applicable.

Vehicle modifications Provision of goods and equipment

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business. • Meet relevant industry


Assistive technology and equipment (multiple registration groups)

Provision of goods and equipment

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business. • Meet relevant industry


Plan management: • financial and service

intermediary activities • financial intermediary

activities.

Plan management Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business. • Satisfy NDIS registration

requirements including an assessment of qualifications, approvals, experience and capacity





Training for independence in travel and transport This includes training in driving, using adapted equipment or vehicle modification, mobility training.

Learning and life skills development

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business. • Satisfy NDIS registration


• Meet relevant industry requirements where applicable.

Physical wellbeing Physical wellbeing activities promote and encourage physical well-being, including exercise and healthy diets.

Other community support


professional requirements under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (National Scheme) for registered health practitioners.





Interpreting and translation Interpreting and translation focuses on assistance to the participant to enable independent communication in essential personal, social or community activities where translation is not available from a mainstream service.

Alternative formats of communication


professional requirements under the NAATI national Registration and Accreditation Scheme

Accommodation/Tenancy assistance Includes support for a participant to ensure that they obtain or retain appropriate accommodation. This can include guidance or undertaking work on a participant’s behalf. • Assistance with

accommodation and tenancy obligations

• Transitional support

In-home accommodation support Case management, local coordination and development

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business.

1 NDIS Registration groups – August 2015 2 Current designated disability services funded under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and related alignment to NDIS Registration

groups – August 2015.


4.7.6.21 Appendix 2: Disability Supports Part B

NDIS REGISTRATION GROUP1

RELATED DISABILITY SUPPORTS FUNDED UNDER THE NSW



Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement

Supported accommodation: • Large Residences • Group homes • Emergency

accommodation support • Accommodation support

for young people with disability to

• transition from the parental

• responsibility of the Minister for Community Services and to live as independently as possible.

• Accommodation support for young people with intellectual

• disability who have exited a correctional facility and

• appropriate community integration along with pre and

• post release clinical case management services.

• Alternative family placement – out-of-home care for children

• with disability • Flexible respite • Overnight respite • HACC respite

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business. • Undertake third party

verification to confirm organisational performance against the NSW Disability Service Standards or relevant comparable standards such as National Standards for Disability Services (2013), Home Care Standards, Attendant Care Industry Standards, Victorian Department of Human Services Standards and Queensland Human Services Quality Framework;

• Meet all relevant legislation, operational policies and guidelines outlined at Appendix 1.






Assistance with daily personal activities includes: • assistance from a

live-in carer • specialised home

based assistance for a child

• personal care.

Intensive personal care: • Attendant care, including

low level assistance with hygiene and grooming

• High complex needs









Behaviour support: • interventions

including intensive behaviour support / management plan;

• training for carers and others in behaviour management strategies.

Behaviour/specialist intervention

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business. • Relevant qualifications

of Psychologist, OT, Speech Pathology, Nursing (with relevant experience),Special Education and Social Work, including minimum 2 years experience in the delivery of behaviour support that includes:

• conducting and writing assessment reports which identify function of behaviours of concern

• skills strengths and areas for further development – including: o how to replace the

behaviour/s with skill development

o service system capacity or to support the person

o recommendations that address environmental issues / trigger factors for behaviour

o replacing the behaviour with a functional skill

o situational management strategies

o skill development of staff to better address the persons needs

o development of strategies (behaviour support plan) that address the behaviours of concern within the environmental and resource constraints of the persons support system

o training of staff/carers in the implementation of developed strategies

• Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of both implementation and the strategies themselves.






• Undertake third party verification to confirm organisational performance against the NSW Disability Service Standards or relevant comparable standards such as National Standards for Disability Services (2013), Home Care Standards, Attendant Care Industry Standards, Victorian Department of Human Services Standards and Queensland Human Services Quality Framework;







Assistance to integrate into school or other educational program

This includes: • transition to

school, and from school to further education.

Learning and life skills development

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business. • Satisfy NDIS registration


• Meet relevant industry requirements where applicable.

• Undertake third party verification to confirm organisational performance against the NSW Disability Service Standards or relevant comparable standards such as National Standards for Disability Services (2013), Home Care Standards, Attendant Care Industry Standards, Victorian Department of Human Services Standards and Queensland Human Services Quality Framework;







Individual or group multidisciplinary early childhood interventions

Early childhood intervention: • early childhood special

education (centre-based, mainstream and in-home);

• therapy services • information and referral;

and coordination of early childhood intervention services with other specialist and mainstream services in the local area

Family support places and early interventions: • enable inclusion of

children and young people with disability and their families in mainstream services and in community life

• support the development of children and young people’s skills and their capacities

• build the resilience and capacities of families caring for a child who has a disability.









Participation in community, social and civic activities • Group based

activities in a centre

• Group based community activities

• Community and social activities

• Centre-based day programs

• Recreation/holiday programs

• Social support









Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages, transitions and supports: • Life/transition

planning • Complex

supports coordination

Case management, local coordination and development Client Care Coordination Case Management

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business; • Undertake third party

verification to confirm organisational performance against the NSW Disability Service Standards or comparable standards such as National Standards for Disability Services (2013), Home Care Standards, Attendant Care Industry Standards, Victorian Department of Human Services Standards and Queensland Human Services Quality Framework;



Development of daily living and life skills: Focuses on training and development activities undertaken by the participant or their carer to increase their ability to live as autonomously as possible. Includes: • skills

development in a group

• individual life and personal skills development

• individual social /living skills development

• training for carers/parents

• training in planning and plan management

• skills to increase independence in community, social and recreational participation

• development of skills in household tasks

• public transport training and support

• social skills training

• training in planning and management; numeracy, literacy, money/financial management

Learning and Life Skills development: • ongoing support

Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business; • Undertake third party








training and skills development

Assistance to access and maintain employment Workplace assistance enables a participant to successfully obtain and/or retain employment in the open or supported labour market. Includes: • employment

related assessment and counselling

• assistance in specialised supported employment

employment preparation and support individually or in a group.

Transition to Work Comply with the NDIS Rules – Rules for registered providers of supports and Agency’s Terms of Business; • Undertake third party



1 NDIS Registration groups – August 2015 2 Current designated disability services funded under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and related alignment to NDIS Registration

groups – August 2015. Note: Not all ADHC funded disability supports listed may be provided in all areas across NSW.